Venezuela's Capriles Solidifies Threat

Election Win at State Level Sets Him Up as Likely Opposition Candidate in January If Chávez Is Incapacitated

By

Kejal Vyas

Dec. 17, 2012 8:59 p.m. ET

CARACAS—Henrique Capriles held on to his governorship in state elections Sunday, solidifying his place as the opposition's most likely candidate if President Hugo Chávez's illness forces a new race for Venezuela's presidency.

The center-left Mr. Capriles, who lost to Mr. Chávez in a presidential race in October, has pledged to maintain nearly...